Police call for calm after schoolgirl offered lift

Police are urging parents to remain vigilant after an “odd” incident where an 11-year-old girl was offered a lift by three men in Barnoldswick.

The West Craven High school pupil was walking to school yesterday at around 8-40am in Colne Road towards Westgate when a white or silver coloured van pulled up alongside her with three men in it.

The passenger opened the door and extended an arm towards the girl’s rucksack but police said the pupil was not touched or spoken to and made off in the direction of the school.

Writing on Facebook, Sgt Kim de Curtis of Colne and West Craven Police said there was nothing a to suggest a link at this stage between this incident and the two in Kelbrook on Sunday and Monday, May 24th and 25th.

On those occasions, both between 4pm and 5pm, the same 13-year-old boy was offered a lift in Church Lane in Kelbrook by a balding man in his 40s, driving a small silver or grey car.

Insp. Paul Goodall added: “This is an odd incident, a very unusual one. I have spoken to the officer who attended yesterday.

“At this stage we are still trying to ascertain the facts about this incident and we are progressing with our enquiries.

“I understand parents are extremely concerned at the moment but I would urge them to remain vigilant.”

Insp. Goodall confirmed that steps were also being taken for an officer to go into the school to increase awareness of stranger danger.

Anybody with any information should call police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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